Hyypia's reign begins with a win

Sami Hyypia launched his reign as Albion manager with a 5-0 stroll at Lewes.

The new Seagulls chief used 22 players and would have taken plenty of positives from the opening game of pre-season.

Summer signing Nzuzi Toko produced a lively performance in front of the back four in the first half, Kazenga LuaLua scored a cracking goal to make it 2-0 at half-time and Craig Mackail-Smith, who missed much of last season through injury, netted within a minute of his introduction.

Inigo Calderon grabbed the first Albion goal under Hyypia in front of a sell-out crowd of 2,150 at the Dripping Pan while Shamir Fenelon got the last two.

Kemy Agustien had the first chance of the contest on 18 minutes, flashing a shot wide from distance.

Albion got stronger as the half wore on, Leo Ulloa slicing a volley at the back post just before the half-hour mark, then Will Buckley’s clever back-heel from a low LuaLua cross was superbly saved by Rikki Banks.

The deadlock was broken from an Agustien corner on 36 minutes which found its way to the back post where Calderon coolly converted.

The second goal on 41 minutes was a fabulous 25-yard strike from LuaLua which flew past an outstretched Banks into the top corner.

Hyypia employed a completely different XI for the second half and the new boys needed just 56 seconds to add to the lead, Craig Mackail-Smith turning and shooting beyond Banks into the far corner.

Fenelon – formerly known as Shamir Goodwin – slipped home a fourth on 55 minutes and also added the fifth 11 minutes from time after linking well with Solly March.

Mackail-Smith produced some lovely touches in the second half while March looked a lively customer on his return to the Dripping Pan where he launched his career.

Ipsoregulated

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